Monday, January 24, 2011

Dots Not Feathers, a relatively new act on the local Saint Louis scene, is made up of four incredibly talented, young musicians (from L to R): Stephen Baier, Ryan Myers, Ravi Raghuram, and Katy Durrwachter. The foursome is speedily catching the city's eye with its brand of indie-folk, inspired by such jaw-dropping artists like Iron & Wine, Sufjan Stevens, and Bon Iver. But, for me, the band really brings to mind one of my favorite acts of the last three years, The Low Anthem.

As I listen to "Sylvia," today's Pajammy Jam of the Day, it takes a mere ten seconds for goosebumps to sprout on my arms. You see, just like The Low Anthem, Dots Not Feathers' proclivity and absolute giftedness for lavish and expansive harmonies is what sets this group apart. Stephen Baier's lead vocals are reminiscent of an early Ben Folds, and Katy Durrwachter, the lone female of the group, shines. Her voice rises above her male counterparts' like steam from a simmering pot.

The four members of the band collectively play an insane assortment of instruments: guitar, bass, vox, piano, ukelele, bells, tambourine, banjo, synth... But, in my humble opinion, the melding of voices takes their self-dubbed indie-folk sound to new heights, more specifically, straight to the choir loft in any given cathedral. Those harmonies are almost like an religious experience. Yeah, I said it.

Catch Dots Not Feathers next at the Old Rock House on February 13th with The Warbuckles, Beth Bombara, and Jeremiah Nelson for a show sponsored by our pal Travis Wood, who writes the blog 5 Score Pachyderm. Doors at 7 PM, the music starts at 8 PM. $7 cover.

The album, A Thousand Novels, is out now. Pick up a copy at any future Dots Not Feathers show or online HERE.